Planter bracket assembly for supporting appurtenances in substantial alignment with the seed tube

ABSTRACT

A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/160,898 filed Jul.14, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/666,108 filed Sep. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,342.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, farmers have begun to recognize and appreciate theimportance of ensuring accurate and consistent spacing of seeds in thefurrow to improve crop yields. To ensure more accurate in-furrow seedplacement, farmers have begun attaching various types of tools orappurtenances, such as seed deflectors and seed firmers, to the seedtube of the planter to minimize in-furrow seed bounce or roll.

Examples of various types of seed deflectors adapted to be mounteddirectly to the seed tube are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,533,374issued to Hyland; 5,092,255 issued to Long et al.; and 6,283,050 issuedto Schaffert. Examples of various types of seed firmers adapted to besecured directly to the seed tube are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,425,318 and 5,673,638 issued to Eugene G. Keeton, commercialembodiments of which, known as the Keeton™ seed firmers, aremanufactured and distributed by Precision Planting, Inc., 23207 TownlineRoad, Tremont, Ill. 61568. The specifications and drawings of each ofthe above-identified patents are incorporated herein in their entiretyby reference and such seed deflectors and seed firmers are collectivelyreferred to hereinafter as “resilient tools.”

Attaching resilient tools directly to the seed tube, is often timeconsuming and difficult due to the confined space. Furthermore,attaching resilient tools directly to the seed tube can place unduestress on the seed tube if the resilient tool makes soil contact duringplanting operations. Resilient tools, such as the Keeton™ firmer, forexample are particularly designed to contact the bottom of the bottom ofthe seed furrow to embed the seed into the soil as the firmer passesover the seed. While embedding the seed into the soil ensures moreseed-to-soil contact resulting in more consistent and uniform seedgermination, if the resilient tool is attached directly to the seedtube, the necessary force exerted by the resilient tool required toembed the seeds often places stress on the seed tube.

To avoid stress on the seed tube during planting operations when using aresilient tool, such as the Keeton™ seed firmer, for example, PrecisionPlanting, Inc., developed two different styles of bracket assemblies asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for attaching the resilient tool operably to theplanter frame as opposed to the seed tube. The two different styles weredesigned to accommodate the different planter styles and configurations.For example, the bracket assembly style shown in FIG. 2, is adapted foruse with all John Deere planters and Kinze planters prior to the 3000series and is designed to attach to the transverse shaft of the furrowopening discs and to the seed tube guard. The bracket assembly of FIG.3, is particularly adapted for use on all Kinze planters and John Deere7000 series planters and is designed to mount to the row unit framerearwardly of, but in substantial alignment with, the seed tube. Thus,both bracket assemblies of FIGS. 2 and 3 firmly support the resilienttool in substantial alignment with the seed tube operably from theplanter frame such that no stress is exerted on the seed tube by theresilient tool during planting operations.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in response to increase farmerdemand resulting from the advent of new liquid fertilizers developed forapplication directly into the seed furrow, Precision Planting, Inc.adapted the bracket assemblies to support liquid conduits for in-furrowliquid application. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the presentbracket assemblies cause sharp bends in the liquid applicator tubes. Ithas been found that sharp bends in the applicator tubes may causerestriction in the flow of the liquid fertilizers, and, over time, theliquid fertilizers can congeal at these sharp bends, further restrictingthe flow through the liquid applicator tubes.

Furthermore, at least with respect to the bracket assembly of FIG. 2, ithas been found that the mounting ears that attach the bracket assemblyto the axle of the furrow opening discs, which are made of thermoplasticmaterial, may eventually wear, break or tear after extended periods ofuse, requiring replacement of the bracket assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved bracket assembly thatovercomes the problems and disadvantages of existing bracket assemblies,but which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and which offers theability to support a variety of in-furrow appurtenances.

Furthermore, because the planter structure will often vary frommanufacture to manufacturer and between manufacturer models, it isdesirable to provide a bracket assembly that may be adapted for use withmost planters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a bracket assembly forsupporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment withrespect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. In one embodiment,the bracket assembly comprises a housing having opposing first andsecond sides. The housing includes mounting structure for rigidlysecuring the housing operably with respect to the planter frame. Thesides of the housing further include interior walls for maintaining thesides of the housing in spaced apart relation. The housing may supportvarious appurtenances alone or in combination, including a resilienttool, a liquid conduit, and a support arm for supporting any number ofdesired conduits all in substantial alignment with the seed tube.

In another embodiment, the bracket assembly includes a shaft mount, ashank mount and a housing adapted to operably support one or more seedplanting appurtenances in substantial alignment with the seed tube. In apreferred embodiment, the shank mount includes both a forwardshank-engaging mount and a rearward shank-engaging mount therebyproviding a more universal bracket adaptable for use with most planters.

The various embodiment of the improved bracket assemblies of the presentinvention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention beingcalled to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only,and that changes may be made in the specific form illustrated anddescribed without materially departing from the teachings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a typical agricultural seed planter.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a prior art bracket assemblyinstalled on an agricultural seed planter.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing the interior structure of the twosides of the prior art bracket assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of another prior art bracket assemblyinstalled on an agricultural seed planter.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing the interior structure of the twosides of the prior art bracket assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the interior structure of one embodiment ofan improved bracket assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the improved bracket assembly of FIG.6 installed on a agricultural seed planter.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the interior structure of anotherembodiment of an improved bracket assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the improved bracket assembly of FIG.8 installed on a agricultural seed planter.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view showing the interior structure of anotherembodiment of an improved bracket assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the improved bracket assembly ofFIG. 10 installed on a agricultural seed planter.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the improvedbracket assembly of the present invention installed on a agriculturalseed planter;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the improvedbracket assembly of the present invention installed on a agriculturalseed planter;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment for a support arm.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view illustrating another embodiment of abracket assembly of the present invention disposed on and adapted foruse with the furrow opening assembly of a John Deere XP series planter.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view illustrating another embodiment of abracket assembly of the present invention disposed on and adapted foruse with the furrow opening assembly of a Kinze 3000 series planter.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view illustrating another embodiment of abracket assembly of the present invention disposed on and adapted foruse with the furrow opening assembly of a White 8000 series planter.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view showing the interior structure of the twosides of the embodiment of the bracket assembly illustrated in FIGS. 15,16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the embodiment of thebracket assembly illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a forward shim foruse with the bracket assembly of FIGS. 15 and/or 16.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a forward shimfor use with the bracket assembly of FIGS. 15 and/or 16.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a forward shimfor use with the bracket assembly of FIGS. 15 and/or 16.

FIG. 23 is an assembled perspective view of the bracket assembly of FIG.19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to designate identicalor corresponding parts or features throughout the figures. Drawing FIG.1 illustrates a partial side elevation view of a typical John Deererow-crop agricultural seed planter 10. The seed planter 10 of FIG. 1,comprises a wheeled main frame (not shown) adapted to be pulled by aprime mover (not shown). The wheeled main frame includes a transverselydisposed tool bar 12 that supports a plurality of transversely spacedrow unit assemblies 14. The row unit assemblies 14 are generallyvertically adjustable with respect to the tool bar 12, such as by aparallel linkage 16 or the like. Each row unit assembly 14 is generallycomprised of a longitudinally disposed row unit frame 18 which typicallysupports at least one seed hopper 20 and an insecticide hopper 21, aseed tube 22, a seed tube guard 24, a furrow opening assembly 26, and afurrow closing assembly 28. The furrow opening assembly 26 is typicallycomprised of a pair of furrow opening discs 30 and a pair of gaugewheels 32. The furrow opening discs 30 are supported on a transverseshaft 34 extending transversely from a shank 35 depending from the rowunit frame 18. The seed tube guard 24 is removably mounted to the shank35 by roll-pins 25 (FIG. 7). On certain planters, including the latemodel John Deere XP series planters, seed tube guard 24 mounts to theshank 35 without the use of roll-pins. Instead, as best illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 23, both the shank 35 and guard 24 of the Deere XP seriesplanters are now cast from ductile iron, with lower portion of the shank35 incorporating a bayonet style mount 37 which is slidably received bya mating groove (not shown) in the top of the cast iron seed tube guard24. The mount 37 and groove cooperate to removably lock the guard 24 tothe shank 35 without the need for pins or other fasteners. The seed tube22 is disposed rearwardly and in substantial alignment with the shank 35and seed tube guard 24 and between the opening discs 30 whereby the seedtube 22 is in substantial alignment with a furrow 36 created by theopening discs 30.

In operation, the furrow opening discs 30 cut a V-shaped furrow 36 inthe soil surface 38 as the planter 10 traverses the field. Seeds 40 fromthe seed hopper 20 are singulated by a seed metering device 42 beforebeing discharged into the seed tube 22 wherein the seeds 40 are directeddownwardly and rearwardly for depositing into the seed furrow 36. Afterthe seeds 40 are deposited into the furrow 36, the furrow closingassembly 28 closes the furrow 36 by pushing soil over the depositedseeds 40. A more detailed description of the agricultural seed planter10 of FIG. 1 is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,668, the specificationand drawings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood that the particular structure and arrangement ofcomponents comprising an agricultural planter or drill may vary bymanufacturer, and thus, the agricultural seed planter of FIG. 1 isprovided and discussed to merely provide a general example and frame ofreference for use later in this specification when discussing therelative positions of the structural components typical of mostagricultural planters and drills. Thus, any reference to an agriculturalplanter in the present application should be understood to include anyagricultural row-crop seed planter or drill and not just the specifictype of planter illustrated in FIG. 1.

Drawing FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate, side elevation views of two types ofexisting bracket assemblies 100, 200 shown, by way of example only,installed on the agricultural planter 10 of FIG. 1, with one of thegauge wheels 32 and furrow opening discs 30 removed for clarity. FIGS. 3and 5 are more detailed views showing the internal structure of thebracket assemblies 100, 200 of FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively. The bracketassemblies of FIGS. 3 and 5 are presently manufactured by PrecisionPlanting, Inc., 23207 Townline Road, Tremont, Ill. 61568.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the existing bracket assembly 100 comprisesa housing 112 having opposing, substantially mirror-image sides 114,116. The housing 112 is made of thermoplastic material formed using aninjection molding process. The bracket assembly 100 further includesmounting structure 118, comprising upper and lower ears 120, 122. Thehousing 112 further includes walls 124 for maintaining the first andsecond sides 114, 116 in spaced apart relation. The walls 124 furtherdefine a cavity 126 within which an upper end of a resilient tool 900 isreceivable. The housing 112 further includes conduit supports 128extending rearwardly and formed integrally with the housing forreceiving a liquid conduit 910. The conduit supports 128 support andguide the liquid conduit 910 away from the furrow opening discs 30

To install the bracket assembly 100, the gauge wheels 32 are removedfrom the row unit. The furrow opening discs 30 are also removed from theopening disc shaft 34. The sides 114, 116 of the housing 112 are mountedon opposing sides of the opening disc shaft 34 by placing the upper ears120 over the shaft 34. The roll pin 121 securing the tube guard 24 tothe row unit frame 18 is removed and lower ears 122 are attached to theseed tube guard 24 by aligning the openings and securing with a bolt andnut connection replacing the removed roll pin. The two sides 114, 116 ofthe housing are then secured together by inserting carriage bolts 130through the apertures 132 in the sides of the housing 112. Once thebracket assembly 100 is mounted, the upper end of the resilient tool 900is inserted into the cavity 126 (FIG. 3) defined by the walls 124 formedin the interior sides 114, 116 of the housing 112. The walls 124, inaddition to defining the cavity 126 for receivably supporting the upperend of the resilient tool 900, also act as spacers to maintain asufficient distance between the opposing sides 114, 116 to receive theupper end of the resilient tool 900 and to maintain the opposing side114, 116 a sufficient distance apart such that the upper and lower ears120, 122 extend around the seed tube 22 on either side thereof as shownin FIG. 2. With the resilient tool 900 installed in the housing 112, theadjusting screw 134 is tightened to adjust the position of the lower endof the resilient tool 900 with respect to the lower end of the housing112, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of force to be exertedby the resilient tool in the bottom of the seed furrow 36. The furrowopening discs 30 are then replaced and secured to the shaft 34 and thegauge wheels 32 are replaced.

If in-furrow liquid application is desired, one end of the liquidconduit 910 is inserted through the conduit supports 128. The liquidconduit 910 extends along the back of the resilient tool 900,terminating at the rearward end of the resilient tool 900. The other endof the liquid conduit 910 is fluidly connected to a liquid supplyreservoir (not shown) located on the planter or prime mover. Inoperation, liquid is pumped from the liquid supply reservoir through theliquid conduit 910 for depositing in the furrow 36 behind the resilienttool 900.

The other existing bracket assembly 200 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is similar tothe bracket assembly 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3, in that it comprises ahousing 212 having substantially mirror-image opposing sides 214, 216.The housing 212 is made of thermoplastic material formed using aninjection molding process. The bracket assembly 200 further includesmounting structure 218, comprising apertures 220 in the upper end of thehousing 212 which mate with existing apertures provided in the row unitframe 18. The housing 212 further includes walls 224 for maintaining thefirst and second sides 214, 216 in spaced apart relation. The walls 224further define a cavity 226 within which an upper end of a resilienttool 900 is receivable. The housing 212 further includes conduitsupports 228 extending rearwardly and formed integrally with the housingfor receiving a liquid conduit 910. The conduit supports 228 support andguide the liquid conduit 910 away from the furrow opening discs 30.

The bracket assembly 200 is mounted to the row unit frame 18 by a boltand nut connection through the mating aligned apertures. With thehousing 212 mounted to the row unit frame 18, the two sides 214, 216 ofthe housing are then secured together by inserting carriage bolts 230through the apertures 232 in the sides of the housing 212. Once thebracket assembly 200 is mounted, the resilient tool 900 may be insertedinto the cavity 226 (FIG. 5) defined by the walls 224 formed in theinterior sides 214, 216 of the housing 212. The walls 224, in additionto defining the cavity 226 for receivably supporting the resilient tool900, also act as spacers to maintain a sufficient distance between theopposing sides 214, 216 to receive the upper end of the resilient tool900. With the resilient tool 900 installed in the housing 212, anadjusting screw 234 is tightened to adjust the position of the lower endof the resilient tool 900 with respect to the lower end of the housing212, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of force to be exertedby the resilient tool in the bottom of the furrow 36.

If in-furrow liquid application is desired, one end of the liquidconduit 910 is inserted through the conduit supports 228. The liquidconduit 910 extends along the back of the resilient tool 900,terminating at the rearward end of the resilient tool 900. The other endof the liquid conduit 910 is fluidly connected to a liquid supplyreservoir (not shown) located on the planter or prime mover. Inoperation, liquid is pumped from the liquid supply reservoir through theliquid conduit 910 for depositing in the furrow 36 behind the resilienttool 900.

FIGS. 6-14 illustrate various embodiments of improved bracket assembliescomprising the present invention. Referring, first to FIG. 6, a firstembodiment of an improved bracket assembly 300 is shown. As with theexisting bracket assembly 100, this first improved bracket assembly 300comprises a housing 312 having opposing, preferably substantiallymirror-image, first and second sides 314, 316. The housing 312preferably includes mounting structure 318 comprising upper and lowerears 320, 322. However, rather than the ears 320, 322 formed fromthermoplastic material as in the existing bracket assembly 100, theupper ears 320 comprise metal ear tabs preferably integrally attachedwith the housing 312 by inserting molding the metal ear tabs 320 duringthe injection molding process when forming the housing 312.Alternatively, rather than insert molding, the metal ear tabs 320 may beintegrally attached to the housing 312 by a rivet connection, boltedconnection, adhesives or welding by any know means, or any other joiningprocesses.

The housing 312 further includes walls 324 for maintaining the first andsecond sides 314, 316 in spaced apart relation. The walls 324 furtherdefine a cavity 326 within which an upper end of a resilient tool 900 isreceivable. The housing 312 preferably includes conduit supports 328extending rearwardly and formed integrally with the housing 312 forreceiving a liquid conduit 910. In the preferred embodiment, a lockingmember 334, such as a threaded connector, is provided operable on theupper end of the resilient tool 900 to restrain the resilient toolwithin the cavity 326. Depending on the type of resilient tool 900installed, the locking member 334 is also preferably operable on theupper end of the resilient tool 900 to adjust the position of the lowerend of the resilient tool 900 with respect to the lower end of thehousing 312, by adjusting the position of the locking member 334 withrespect to the housing 312. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, supportarm 800 (shown in dashed lines) (discussed later) may be supported bythe housing 312 to support any desired number of conduits 920.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, to install this first improved bracketassembly 300 on an agricultural planter 10 the method is substantiallythe same as that described for the existing bracket assembly 100. First,if necessary, depending on the type of agricultural planter, the gaugewheels 32 on the row unit are removed and furrow opening discs 30 areremoved from the opening disc shaft 34. The sides 314, 316 of thehousing 312 are mounted on opposing sides of the opening disc shaft 34by placing the upper ears 320 over the shaft 34. The roll pin securingthe tube guard 24 to the row unit frame 18 is removed and lower ears 322are attached to the seed tube guard 24 by aligning the openings andsecuring with a bolt and nut connection which replaces the removed rollpin. The two sides 314, 316 of the housing 312 preferably includeapertures 332 for receiving a threaded connector 330, however othersuitable means of connection, recognized by those skilled in the art mayalso be used. Once the first bracket assembly 300 is mounted, the upperend of the resilient tool 900 may be inserted into the cavity 326defined by the walls 324 formed in the interior sides 314, 316 of thehousing 312. The walls 324, in addition to defining the cavity 326 forreceivably supporting the upper end of the resilient tool 900, also actas spacers to maintain a sufficient distance between the opposing sides314, 316 to receive the upper end of the resilient tool 900 and tomaintain the opposing side 314, 316 a sufficient distance apart suchthat the upper and lower ears 320, 322 extend around the seed tube 22 oneither side thereof as shown in FIG. 7, for example. In the preferredembodiment, the locking member 334 is then adjusted to lock theresilient tool 900 within the cavity 326. Depending on the type ofresilient tool 900 installed, the locking member 334 is also preferablyoperable to adjust the position of the lower end of the resilient tool900 with respect to the lower end of the housing 312 to therebyincreasing or decreasing the amount of force exerted by the resilienttool 900 in the bottom of the furrow 36. The furrow opening discs 30 arethen replaced and secured to the shaft 34 and the gauge wheels 32 arereplaced.

If in-furrow liquid application is desired, one end of the liquidconduit 910 is inserted through the conduit supports 328. Depending onthe type of resilient tool 900 used, the liquid conduit 910 may extendalong the back of the resilient tool 900, terminating at the rearwardend of the resilient tool 900 as shown, for example, as shown in FIG. 7.The other end of the liquid conduit 910 is fluidly connected to a liquidsupply reservoir (not shown) located on the planter or prime mover. Inoperation, liquid is pumped from the liquid supply reservoir through theliquid conduit 910 for depositing in the furrow 36, preferably behindthe resilient tool 900.

Referring, now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of an improved bracketassembly 400 is shown. This second improved bracket assembly 400comprises a housing 412 having opposing, preferably substantiallymirror-image, first and second sides 414, 416. The housing 412preferably includes mounting structure 418 comprising upper and lowerears 420, 422. The upper ears 420 preferably comprise metal ears tabspreferably integrally attached with the housing 412 by inserting moldingthe metal ears tabs 420 during the injection molding process whenforming the housing 412. Alternatively, rather than insert molding, themetal ear tabs 420 may be integrally attached to the housing 412 by arivet connection, bolted connection, adhesives or welding by any knowmeans, or any other joining processes.

The housing 412 further includes walls 424 for maintaining the first andsecond sides 414, 416 in spaced apart relation. The walls 424 furtherdefine a cavity 426 within which an upper end of a resilient tool 900 isreceivable. The walls 424 further define a passageway 428 which extendsthrough at least a portion of the housing 412 through which a liquidconduit 910 is receivable. In the preferred embodiment, a locking member434, such as a threaded connector, is provided operable on the upper endof the resilient tool 900 to restrain the resilient tool within thecavity 426. Depending on the type of resilient tool 900 installed, thelocking member 434 is also preferably operable on the upper end of theresilient tool 900 to adjust the position of the lower end of theresilient tool 900 with respect to the lower end of the housing 412, byadjusting the position of the locking member 434 with respect to thehousing 412.

As shown in FIG. 9, a support arm 800 (shown in dashed lines) (discussedlater) may be supported by the housing 412 to support any desired numberof conduits 920. As previously identified, the second improved bracketassembly 400 includes a passageway 428 defined by the walls 424. Thepassageway 428 extends through at least a portion of the housing 412through which a liquid conduit 910 is receivable. Accordingly, ifin-furrow liquid application is desired, one end of the liquid conduit910 is inserted through the passageway 428 within the housing 412.Depending on the type of resilient tool 900 installed in the cavity 426,the liquid conduit 910 may extend along the back of the resilient tool900, terminating at the rearward end of the resilient tool 900 as shownin FIG. 9. The other end of the liquid conduit 910 is fluidly connectedto a liquid supply reservoir (not shown) located on the planter or primemover. In operation, liquid is pumped from the liquid supply reservoirthrough the liquid conduit 910 for depositing in the furrow, preferablybehind the resilient tool 900.

Referring, now to FIG. 10, yet another improved bracket assembly 500 isshown. This third improved bracket assembly 500 comprises a housing 512having opposing, preferably substantially mirror-image, first and secondsides 514, 516. The sides 514, 516 of the housing further includemounting structure 518, comprising apertures 520 in the upper end of thehousing 512 adapted to mate with apertures provided in the row unitframe 18. The housing 512 further includes walls 524 for maintaining thefirst and second sides 514, 516 in spaced apart relation. The walls 524further define a cavity 526 within which an upper end of a resilienttool 900 is receivable. The walls 524 further define a passageway 528which extends through at least a portion of the housing 512 throughwhich a liquid conduit 910 is receivable. In the preferred embodiment, alocking member 534, such as a threaded connector, is provided operableon the upper end of the resilient tool 900 to restrain the resilienttool within the cavity 526. Depending on the type of resilient tool 900installed, the locking member 534 is also preferably operable on theupper end of the resilient tool 900 to adjust the position of the lowerend of the resilient tool 900 with respect to the lower end of thehousing 512, by adjusting the position of the locking member 534 withrespect to the housing 512.

As shown in FIG. 11, a support arm 800 (shown in dashed lines)(discussed later) may be supported by the housing 512 to support anydesired number of conduits 920. The third improved bracket assembly 500is preferably mounted to the row unit frame 18 by a bolt and nutconnection through the mating aligned apertures. With the housing 512mounted to the row unit frame 18, the two sides 514, 516 of the housingare then secured together. The two sides 514, 516 of the housing 512preferably include apertures 532 for receiving a threaded connector 530,however other suitable means of connection, recognized by those skilledin the art may also be used. Once the third improved bracket assembly500 is mounted, the resilient tool 900 may be inserted into the cavity526 defined by the walls 524 formed in the interior sides 514, 516 ofthe housing 512. The walls 524, in addition to defining the cavity 526for receivably supporting the upper end of the resilient tool 900, alsoact as spacers to maintain a sufficient distance between the opposingsides 514, 516 to receive the upper end of the resilient tool 900. Inthe preferred embodiment, the locking member 534 is then adjusted tolock the resilient tool 900 within the cavity 526. Depending on the typeof resilient tool 900 installed, the locking member 534 also preferablyadjusts the position of the lower end of the resilient tool 900 withrespect to the lower end of the housing 512 to thereby increasing ordecreasing the amount of force exerted by the resilient tool 900 in thebottom of the furrow 36.

As previously identified, the third improved bracket assembly embodiment500 includes a passageway 528 defined by the walls 524. The passageway528 extends through at least a portion of the housing 512 through whicha liquid conduit 910 is receivable. Accordingly, if in-furrow liquidapplication is desired, one end of the liquid conduit 910 is insertedthrough the passageway 528 within the housing 512. Depending on the typeof resilient tool 900 installed in the cavity 526, the liquid conduit910 may extend along the back of the resilient tool 900, terminating atthe rearward end of the resilient tool 900 as shown in FIG. 11. Theother end of the liquid conduit 910 is fluidly connected to a liquidsupply reservoir (not shown) located on the planter or prime mover. Inoperation, liquid is pumped from the liquid supply reservoir through theliquid conduit 910 for depositing in the furrow, preferably behind theresilient tool 900.

It should be understood that although the preferred embodiments of theimproved bracket assemblies 300, 400, 500 are described and illustratedto be particularly adapted for use with the Keeton™ seed firmer typeresilient tools 900, those skilled in the art will recognize andappreciate that the bracket assemblies, 300, 400, 500 could be modifiedto accommodate other resilient tools, such as those disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,533,474 issued to Hyland; 5,092,255 issued to Long et al.;and 6,283,050 issued to Schaffert. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that in order to receive and support such other resilienttools 900, the housing and interior walls defining the cavities merelyneed to be configured to receiving and support an upper end of suchresilient tools. Accordingly, the present invention should not beconstrued as being limited to a bracket assembly particularly adapted toreceive and support only Keeton™ seed firmer type resilient tools.

FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of an improved bracketassembly 600 having a support arm 800 (described later) for supportingany desired number of conduits 920. Furthermore, this fourth improvedbracket assembly 600 need not receive and support a resilient tool 900.The fourth improved bracket assembly 600 comprises a housing 612 havingopposing, preferably substantially mirror-image, first and second sides614, 616. The housing 612 preferably includes mounting structure 618comprising upper and lower ears 620, 622. The upper ears 620 may beformed from the same material as the rest of the housing 612, butpreferably the upper ears 620 comprise metal ears tabs integrallyattached to the housing 612 as previously described with respect to thefirst and second improved bracket assemblies 300, 400. The housing 612further includes walls 624 for maintaining the first and second sides614, 616 in spaced apart relation. The housing 612 may include conduitsupports (not shown) similar to the conduit supports 328 as in the firstimproved bracket assembly embodiment 300, or alternatively the walls 624may define a passageway (not shown) similar to the passageway 428 as inthe second improved bracket assembly embodiment 400. The fourth improvedbracket assembly 600 may be mounted to the planter frame 18 in the samemanner as previously described for the first and second improved bracketassembly embodiments 300, 400.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of an improved bracketassembly 700 having a support arm 800 (described later) for supportingany desired number of conduits 920. Furthermore, this fifth improvedbracket assembly 700 need not receive and support a resilient tool 900.The fifth improved bracket assembly 700 comprises a housing 712 havingopposing, preferably substantially mirror-image, first and second sides714, 716. The two sides 714, 716 of the housing 712 preferably includeapertures 732 for receiving a connector 730, however other suitablemeans of connection, recognized by those skilled in the art may also beused. The housing 712 further includes walls 724 for maintaining thefirst and second sides 714, 716 in spaced apart relation. The housing712 may include conduit supports (not shown) similar to the conduitsupports 228 as in the existing bracket assembly 200, or alternativelythe walls 724 may define a passageway (not shown) similar to thepassageway 528 as in the third improved bracket assembly embodiment 500.The fifth improved bracket assembly 700 may be mounted to the planterframe 18 in the same manner as previously described for the thirdimproved bracket assembly embodiment 500.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a supportarm 800. The support arm 800 may be attached to the foregoing first,second and third improved bracket assembly embodiments 300, 400, 500 forexample, as shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, or to the fourthand fifth bracket assembly embodiments 600, 700, for example as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. As previously discussed, the support arm may be used tosupport any number of desired conduits 920. For example, the support arm800 may support a conduit 920 in fluid communication with the sameliquid supply reservoir previously discussed to which the liquid conduit910 is in fluid communication, or the conduit 920 may be the same liquidconduit 910. Alternatively, the conduit 920 may be in fluidcommunication with a second liquid supply (not shown) to deliver asecond liquid supply to the furrow 36. Alternatively, the conduit 920may be in communication with the insecticide hopper 21 or anotherreservoir containing insecticides, fungicides or other liquid, powder orgranular products or chemicals desired for in-furrow application.

The support arm 800 may be integral and formed with the housing 312,412, 512, 612, 712 during the preferred injection molding process forforming the improved bracket assembly embodiments 300, 400, 500, 600,700. Preferably, however, the support arm 800 is a separate assemblythat removably attaches to the housing 312, 412, 512, 612, 712 of theimproved bracket assembly embodiments 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. As shownin FIG. 14, the support arm 800 includes an elongated arm 802, having afirst end 804 terminating in a U-shaped channel 806 adapted to receivethe lower end of the housing 312, 412, 512, 612, 712. Additionally, thesupport arm 800 preferably includes an aperture 808 within the U-shapedchannel 806 which is adapted to mate with the aperture for the lockingmember 334, 434, 534, 634, 734 of the improved bracket assembly 300,400, 500, 600, 700 such that the locking member 334, 434, 534, 634, 734removably secures the support arm 800 to the housing 312, 412, 512, 612,712 of the improved bracket assembly 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. The otherend of the arm 808 preferably includes a fitting 810 adapted to receiveand support the conduit 920. Depending on the product to be communicatedto the furrow, the fitting 810 may simply comprise a pipe section sizedto receive and support the conduit 920, for example as shown in FIG. 12.Alternatively, the fitting 810 may comprise a nozzle fitting thatconnects to the end of the conduit 920 to provide a desired spraypattern for the product being applied as shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore,one or more additional fittings 810 could be provided along the lengthof the arm 802 to support multiple conduits 910, 920.

It should be appreciated that various means of supporting the supportarm 800 from the housing 312, 412, 512, 612, 712 are possible, dependingon the configuration of the bracket assembly. For example, rather than aU-shaped channel 806, the first end 804 may simply include a flange orother structure which secures to the housing by a clip, threadedconnector or any other method for connecting. Accordingly, the supportarm 800 should not be considered as limited to the embodiment shown inFIG. 14. Additionally, the desired length of the support arm 800 mayvary depending on space constraints, the number of conduits 920 to besupported, or whether it is desired to deliver the product with respectto the seed tube 22.

FIGS. 15-20 illustrate one embodiment of a universal bracket assembly1000 for use with planters having a shank 35 disposed forwardly of, andin substantial alignment with, the seed tube 22. For example, FIG. 15 isan illustration of the bracket assembly 1000 in use on a John Deere XPseries planter, which, as previously described, utilizes ductile castiron shanks which eliminates the roll-pin attachment of seed tube guard24 used for mounting the previously described bracket assemblies 300,400, 600. FIG. 16 illustrates the bracket assembly 1000 in use on aKinze 3000 series planters. FIG. 17 illustrates the bracket assembly1000 in use on a White 8000 series planters.

In the preferred embodiment, the universal bracket assembly 1000includes a shaft mount 1020 for mounting to the shaft 34 of the openingdisc 30, and a shank mount 1022 for mounting to the shank 35. Asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, for all existing John Deere planters,whether XP series or earlier models, and for all existing Kinzeplanters, the shank mount 1022 comprises a forward shank-engaging mount1024. For White planters, however, due to spacing limitations and theposition of the seed tube 22 with respect to the shank 35, a forwardshank-engaging mount is not feasible. Thus, for White planters, theshank mount 1022 comprises a rearward shank-engaging mount 1026 thatincludes a rearwardly projecting lobe 1028 adapted to receive the spacerpin 1029 disposed in the rearward gusset 1030 of the shank 35.

It should be appreciated that in order to provide a more universalbracket assembly, the preferred embodiment comprises a shank mount 1022having both a forward shank-engaging mount 1024 and a rearwardshank-engaging mount 1026. It being understood, however, that in certainapplications, one of the mounts 1024, 1026 may not be necessary (as isthe case with the rearward shank-engaging mount 1026 for Deere plantersand Kinze planters as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16). It should also beunderstood that in certain applications, one of the shank mounts 1022may actually need to be removed (as is the case with the forwardshank-engaging mount 1024 when utilizing the preferred embodiment forWhite planters as illustrated in FIG. 17). Thus, based on the foregoing,it should be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment includesboth forward and rearward shank-engaging mounts 1024, 1026, the presentinvention is not limited to such embodiments and may be provided withonly one shank engaging mount 1022.

In addition, the preferred embodiment also continues to include anaperture 1023 in the forward shank engaging mount 1024 which may be usedfor attaching the bracket 1000 in the manner described for the otherbracket embodiments, 300, 400, 600 on planters which continue to use theroll-pin for mounting the tube guard 24 to the shank 35.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment ofthe universal bracket assembly 1000. FIG. 23 is an assembled perspectiveview of the preferred universal bracket assembly 1000 showing the shank35 and seed tube 22 drawn in phantom lines for reference only.

As best illustrated in FIG. 18, the preferred bracket assembly 1000includes a housing 1012 having opposing, preferably mirror-image, firstand second sides 1014, 1016. The housing 1012 preferably includesmounting structure 1018 comprising a shaft mount 1020 and a shank mount1022 as previously discussed. As with the previous bracket assemblyembodiments 300, 400, 600 described above, the shaft mount 1020preferably comprise metal ear tabs 1021 preferably integrally attachedto the housing 1012 by insert molding the metal ear tabs 1021 during theinjection molding process when forming the housing 1012. Alternatively,as previously described with the other embodiments 300, 400, 600, ratherthan insert molding, the metal ear tabs 1021 may be attached to thehousing 1012 by a rivet connection, bolted connection, adhesives orwelding by any know means, or any other joining processes.

As with the other previously described embodiments, 300, 400, 600, theinterior of the housing 1012 of the preferred bracket assembly 1000preferably includes walls 1030 for maintaining the first and secondsides 1014, 1016 in spaced apart relation a sufficient distance so thatthe seed tube 22 is receivable between the sides 1014, 1016 as bestillustrated in FIG. 19. The walls 1030 also preferably define apassageway 1032 which extends through at least a portion of the housing1012 through which a liquid conduit 910 is receivable. The walls 1030also preferably define a cavity 1034 for receiving an upper end of aresilient tool 900. The walls 1030 also preferably define a stop 1036for engaging a rearward edge 41 (FIG. 23) of the shank 35. In thepreferred embodiment, a locking member 1038, such as a threadedconnector, is provided, operable on the upper end of the resilient tool900 to restrain the resilient tool within the cavity 1034. Depending onthe type of resilient tool 900 installed, the locking member 1038 isalso preferably operable on the upper end of the resilient tool 900 toadjust the position of the lower end of the resilient tool 900 withrespect to the lower end of the housing 1012, by adjusting the positionof the locking member 1038 with respect to the housing 1012.Additionally, although not shown, a support arm 800 may be supported bythe housing 1012 to support any desired number of conduits 920 asillustrated with the other bracket assembly embodiments, 300, 400, 600discussed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 18,19 and 23, a perspective view of the bracket1000 is illustrated showing the upper ears 1021 of the shaft mount 1020disposed over the shaft 34 extending transversely from shank 35. Theforward shank-engaging mount 1024 includes a forwardly extending arm1040 the distal end of which includes a raised surface 1042 having astepped or toothed rearward edge 1044. The forwardly extending arm 1040is preferably of sufficient length and configuration to extend aroundthe shank 35 of the planter as illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16 and 23. Aspreviously discussed, it is recognized that configuration of the shank35 and the relationship between the position of the seed tube 22 to withrespect to the shank 35 may vary depending on the planter make andmodel. It has been found, however, that the variances are notsignificant among the different models of Deere planters nor betweenDeere planters and Kinze planters. Accordingly, to provide a singleuniversal bracket assembly capable of use with most, if not all Deereand Kinze planters, arm shims 1050 and stop shims 1052 are provided aspart of the forward shank-engaging mount 1024. The stop shims 1052 areplaced over the stop 1036 and the arm shims 1050 cooperate with thedistal end of the arm 1040. The shims 1050, 1052 accommodate anydimensional tolerances, or differences in shank configuration or shankpositions of the planters, while ensuring the bracket 1000 is firmlysecured in position.

FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 illustrate various arm shims 1050 configured for usewith the various planter makes and models. For example, FIG. 20illustrates an arm shim 1050 that has been found to be suitable for usewith Deere planter models 7000, 7200 1700 and Kinze model 2000 planterson which the bracket 1000 is installed. FIG. 21 illustrates an arm shim1052 that has been found to be suitable for use with Deere XP seriesplanters. FIG. 22 illustrates an arm shim 1050 that has been foundsuitable for use with Kinze 3000 series planters. It should beappreciated that other arm shim shapes and configurations may be equallysuitable. Likewise other shapes and configurations may be equallysuitable for the stop shim 1052.

In the preferred embodiment, the arm shims 1050 include a stepped ortoothed forward edge 1054. The arm shims 1050 also preferably include aforward projecting flange 1056 having an elongated aperture 1058therein. The flange 1056 is preferably thinner than the forward toothededge 1054. When the bracket 1000 is assembled, a fastener 1060 (FIGS.19, 23) extends through mating apertures 1062 in the distal ends of thearms 1040 and through the elongated aperture 1058 in the shim flange1056, thereby securing the arm shim 1050 therebetween. The forwardtoothed edge 1054 of the arm shim 1050 and the rearward toothed edge ofthe distal end of the arm 1040 cooperate to lock the arm shim 1050 withrespect to the arm 1040 in a desired position. To move the arm shim 1050with respect to the arm 1040, the fastener 1060 is loosened to allow thearm shim 1050 to be vertically movable along the length of the elongatedaperture 1058. The stop shim 1052 may be added or removed as necessaryto provide a tighter or more secure fit of the bracket 1000 to the shank35.

As previously discussed, for White planters, due to space limitationsand the position of the seed tube 22 with respect to the shank 35, theforward shank-engaging mount 1024 is cut or clipped from the housing1012 as illustrated in FIG. 17. Thus, with White planters, the bracket1000 is secured in position using the shaft mount 1020 and the rearwardshank-engaging mount 1026. The lobes 1028 of the rearward shank-engagingmount 1026 engage the spacer pin 1029 disposed in the rearward gusset1030 of the shank 35.

Although only certain exemplary embodiments of the applicants' presentinvention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the artwill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thisinvention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of this invention as defined in the followingclaims.

1. A universal bracket for supporting seed planting appurtenances insubstantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agriculturalplanter, wherein the planter includes a shank portion supporting anopening disc shaft, the seed tube disposed rearwardly of the shaft, saidbracket assembly comprising: a housing adapted to support a plantingappurtenance; a shaft mount engaging the shaft; a shank mount, whereinsaid shank mount includes a forward shank engaging mount and a rearwardshank engaging mount, said forward shank engaging mount for use whenengagement with said forward edge of said shank at a location ahead ofsaid disc opening shaft is available, and said rearward shank engagingmount used when engagement with said forward edge of said shank portionat a location ahead of said disc opening shaft is unavailable; wherebysaid shaft mount and said shank mount cooperate to support the housingsuch that the planting appurtenances supported thereby are disposed insubstantial alignment with said seed tube.
 2. The universal bracket ofclaim 1 wherein said planting appurtenance includes a resilient tool,wherein one end of said resilient tool is operably supported by saidhousing, and wherein another end of said resilient tool is insubstantial alignment with the seed tube.
 3. The universal bracket ofclaim 1 wherein said planting appurtenance includes a liquid conduit andsaid housing includes a passageway extending through at least a portionthereof for receiving said liquid conduit.
 4. The universal bracketassembly of claim 1 wherein said forward shank-engaging mount includesarm members that extended forwardly along each side of the shank andwherein said arm members are operably joined at a distal end thereofforward of said forward edge of the shank.
 5. The universal bracketassembly of claim 4 wherein said forward shank-engaging mount furtherincludes forward shims, adjustably moveable with respect to saidforwardly extending arms, said forward shims engaging said forward edgeof the shank.
 6. The universal bracket assembly of claim 4 wherein saidforward shims are selectively lockably engageable with said joineddistal end of said forwardly extending arms.
 7. The universal bracketassembly of claim 4 further including a stop operably engaging arearward edge of said shank.
 8. The universal bracket assembly of claim1 wherein said rearward shank engaging mount comprises a rearward stopconfigured to engage said front edge of said shank and a rearward lobeconfigured to engage a pin positioned on said shank.